Innaloo

In 1927, the area named Njookenbooroo was changed to Innaloo at the request of the local progress association, where duplex homes and units are side-by-side the post-war timber-frame character homes.

History

While the name Innaloo was adopted in 1927, it was originally referred to as Njookenbooroo, believed to be derived from the Aboriginal name for Herdsman Lake or a nearby swamp.

The area now known as Innaloo was originally part of land bought by Thomas Mews in 1831 and, while subdivision in northern Innaloo was approved in 1898, development lagged for many years. The southern section was subdivided in 1916 but again demand was not high. A map drafted in the early 1920s indicates only 10 houses had been built in the region with the majority of land used for grazing.

In 1915, the Education Department acquired land in the area and built the Njookenbooroo School on the north-east corner of Odin Road but the names of the school and post office were changed in 1927, at the request of the local progress association.

Residential development

Extensive development in the area began in the 1940s with street names taken from Greek mythology and the passenger list from the ship Rockingham. Residences in Innaloo are primarily single detached homes, built around the time of World War Two. Most are of timber-frame construction and reflect post-war design standards.

Innaloo also contains a scattering of duplex homes and recently built units, which are gradually replacing older housing stock. The majority of these newer dwellings are of brick and tile construction and have a modern design.

Community development

The Stirling City Centre (part of the Stirling Regional Centre) contains commercial and retail facilities, servicing the local population and surrounding region. This commercial area includes Westfield Innaloo Shopping Centre and forms a focal point for the suburb. Originally built in 1967, it was one of the first large-scale suburban shopping centres in the metropolitan area.

Located on Scarborough Beach Road, the Stirling City Centre includes shopping and community facilities, as well as restaurants and a cinema complex in neighbouring Woodlands. Innaloo also contains a local shopping centre on Morris Place that provides for the daily needs of residents. Many small parks are located in Innaloo. Birralee Park contains a range of sporting facilities and Yuluma Park offers lawn bowls and tennis. The area is also home to a recreation centre and 2 primary schools serving educational needs.